I Can Finally Wash-n-Go! Maximum Hydration Method Update
- Jessica
- Apr 12, 2018
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 11, 2018
I started the Maximum Hydration Method about a month ago and I want to share with you guys the results, products, modifications, pros/cons, do's/don'ts and lessons I'm learning along the way.
I mentioned in the previous post, Overview of the Maximum Hydration Method, that I would do right the second time around by purchasing the suggested products.
Explanation of Maximum Hydration Method Steps
Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment, Baking Soda, or ACV Rinse: the purpose of this step is to clarify (temporarily lifting the hair cuticle to allow moisture in) your hair. You can either choose the baking soda or apple cider vinegar for this step (DO NOT DO A BAKING SODA RINSE OR ACV RINSE IF YOU DO THE CHERRY LOLA CARAMEL TREATMENT).
Co-Wash: the purpose of this step is to cleanse, condition, and detangle your hair.
Clay Rinse: the purpose of this step is to detoxify your hair as well as prepare it to receive and retain moisture.
Product List
Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner Aztec Bentonite Clay
Vatika Almond Oil
Yogurt
Baking Soda
Results
As mentioned in my previous post, the results were FANTASTIC! I see why only botanical products are recommended. My hair responded much better to the product and my curls lasted throughout the day. I also didn't have that weird crunch feeling after applying the gel.
Pros:
My hair felt ahhhhmmmaaazing after the second time around. It was soft, I could see curls popping out, and my product was not left sitting on my hair
My curls clumped
I could actually see my curl pattern
My hair was manageable
My curls lasted all day
I got the time down with the other steps, but I incorporated the Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment so it took about 5 hours total (you don't do the CLCT every time; maybe once every 2 weeks or once per month)
Cons:
Time, but it won't always be this way because I won't do the CLCT every time
My scalp was very, very itchy. I suspect it may come from the baking soda rinse
ModificationsThe one thing I've come to embrace, not only in life, but as it pertains to my natural hair journey is that everyone's journey is different. What works for my hair, may not work for your hair. What works for your hair, may not work for mine...and I'm ok with that. Initially, I was so consumed with making sure my results were just like the other bloggers and You Tubers that I forgot my hair has it's own DNA and it's own personality. The fun part is trial and error. Seeing what works and what doesn't work (as long as I don't end up bald headed...yikes!) So, with that said, there are a few modifications that I will be making to my next round:
The itchy, on fire scalp issue: I looked it up and a few other bloggers reported the same issue, but remedied it by either substituting the baking soda or replacing it with another clarifier. The next round I'm going to modify the amount of time I leave it on my hair and if that doesn't work, I'll cut back to once a month with baking soda (or basically just do the CLCT once per month)
I will be making my own gel or finding another one that's less expensive. I spent like $19 for a 8 oz. jar! That's a no for me dog, I'm too thrifty
I will probably purchase a deep conditioner; more than likely I'll try Giovanni Nutrafix Reconstructor
I'm still learning how or if I will incorporate oils into the regimen. My hair seems to do just fine without it,
This round, I kept the bentonite clay on my hair overnight (I was tired)
***Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment is optional, but recommended. If you choose to start with the Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment DO NOT do the Baking Soda/ACV rinse step (aka step 1)***
Cherry Lola Caramel Treatment
FYI: my ingredient list excludes some items that may be found on other sites ingredient list
2 c. Yogurt
2 tbsp. Bragg's Liquid Amino Acids
2 tbsp. Baking Soda
Mix in a bowl or blend until mixture is consistent. Let the mixture sit for 2 hours.
Step 2: Co-Wash
2 oz. conditioner
4 oz. warm water
On this step, I chose to cover my hair with a plastic bag and sit under the dryer for 20 minutes. Detangle your hair in sections.
Step 3: Bentonite Clay Rinse
1 c. of bentonite clay
2 c. of warm water
Optional:
1 tsp. honey
1 tsp. olive oil
Mix well (I use a blender to make sure the clay comes out like a whip). Store in a Tupperware bowl because it will make enough to use again. Store in a refrigerator.
Section your hair and ensure that all of your strands are evenly coated
Allow mix to sit on your hair for 30 minutes
Step 4: Gel
Once you've rinsed the clay out (make sure you rinse really well), section your hair to apply your leave-in and gel. You will do these steps simultaneously (i.e. one on section apply the conditioner and then the gel and then move on to the next section and do the same) on soaking wet hair. Rake, shingle, or smooth the product in your hair (depending on your hair length). Next, you can either apply your oil prior to the gel or after applying the gel to seal the moisture in. Remember this is your hair, give it what it likes. Air dry and you're done!
Here is what my day looked like:
Morning:
I slept with the bentonite clay overnight, so I got up and rinsed my hair really good in the shower. I also sectioned my hair and applied the conditioner and gel while in the shower. My hair is soaking wet in this picture.
Afternoon:
By noon my hair was no longer soaking wet, but still hydrated. You can see my gray strands peeking through (wisdom? lol), but my curls are still defined.
Evening
I went for a quick run (a quick run that quickly turned into a brisk walk) and my hair still held it's curl and was still pretty soft. I'm sleeping on a satin pillowcase tonight. I love bonnets and scarves, but I sleep too bad and they always end up coming off. My next challenge: day 2 hair.
All in all, I'm happy with the Maximum Hydration Method, but I will continue to tweak it to fit my hair needs. I'm just happy to know that wash-n-go's are for me!
Want more information? Visit Ms.Dee Kay's website for more details!
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